As I navigate the deep end of the pool, each stroke propelling me forward, I can’t help but draw a parallel to life’s journey. It’s a constant balancing act of letting go, surrendering to the unknown depths, while also setting boundaries to protect my own well-being and navigate the currents with wisdom and resilience.
Amidst the laughter and splashes, a subtle undercurrent of fear dances on the edges of my mind, a reminder of the immense power and unpredictability that lies beneath the surface. While the shallow waters may provide a sense of security and comfort with their touchable ground and false sense of control, it is in the vast expanse of the deep water where I am sustained solely by my own power. It is in those moments that I realize the immense strength and resilience within me, where I am able to swim or stay afloat with only my abilities to rely on.
As I reflect on my journey through life, I realize that the most significant moments have occurred when I dared to jump into the deep end. From marrying my spouse of 23 years after knowing him for only nine months, to letting go and setting boundaries with family and friends, I have learned that it is in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that I have truly discovered who I am and what I am capable of. Seeking discomfort has become my mantra, and I have learned to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
I’ve come to realize letting go is an essential part of this journey. It means releasing the grip I have on past hurts, regrets, and grudges that weigh me down. It involves accepting that some things are beyond my control and choosing to loosen my grasp on what no longer serves me. Letting go is an act of liberation, creating space for new experiences, growth, and possibilities.
I have found that the only constant, the only truly permanent thing, is family. Family extends beyond blood ties, encompassing those we hold dear and those who provide unwavering support and love. They are the pillars of strength. Their presence reminds us that we are not alone and that we have a network of connection to lean on in times of need.
Growing is the natural outcome of healing and letting go. It is an ongoing process of self-discovery and evolution. Just as a seed must break open to allow a sprout to emerge, I too must break through my self-imposed limitations and comfort zones to grow.
Growth requires vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to step into the unknown.
Change intimidates me, often prompting me to settle for familiarity even if it leads to misery. But the ruins of my comfort zone serve as the road to transformation. In those shattered pieces lie the opportunity to rebuild myself into someone stronger, wiser, and more resilient. By embracing change and stepping into the unknown, I open myself to new horizons and endless possibilities.
Endless transformation is a fundamental aspect of life’s ebb and flow. I must be prepared to ride the waves of change, adapting to the ever-shifting tides. Rather than resisting the inevitable currents, I should welcome them as catalysts for growth. Embracing the beauty of transformation allows me to become the best version of myself.
In the depths of life and love, I find myself tested, stretched, and transformed. I realize that I am not defined by my past or the circumstances that have shaped me. Rather, I am defined by my choices and my willingness to grow. As Carl Jung once said, “I am not what has happened to me; I am what I choose to become.” It is in the deep end where I exercise this choice, where I shed my old skins and emerge as something greater, something truer to my authentic self.
Appreciating life means cherishing every experience, both pleasant and challenging. It means finding beauty in the simplest of moments and practicing gratitude for the blessings that come my way. Life’s tapestry is woven with a myriad of emotions, and accepting and embracing them all, I gain a profound appreciation for the richness and depth of the human experience.
Part of my journey is always diving into the deep end, for it through these daring leaps that I embrace the transformations of life and discover my true potential. I yearn to embrace transformation, create a life of beauty, and always approach life with an insatiable appetite. As I navigate the depths, I seek to inspire and empower other fearless souls, like you, to live a life of daring exploration.
Tina Huey is a mom of two fantastic kids and wife of her hero, who also happens to be an incredible dad and husband. She is an avid reader, and a life long learner. She enjoys exercising. She loves to laugh—to find the ridiculous in adversity. She is passionate about life and living it to the fullest, being the best version of herself, and helping others in a positive way so we can all make this world a better place.
Thank you for this, Tina. I deeply admire your ability to embrace change, challenge, curiosity, release, the full range of emotional experience, and the resulting GROWTH from living in the deep end. The Lord has me on a similar journey, and though it has been hard, I see Him in new and beautiful ways each day!